Indiana breweries, wineries on tap at state fair

Ruth Flores pours a beer for a customer at Triton Brewing Co. The business is one of many breweries and wineries that will be featured this year at the Indiana State Fair. The craft beer and wine will be available at the Indiana Beer and Wine Exhibition every day throughout the fair.

INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time in nearly 70 years, the
Indiana State Fair will allow the sale of alcohol. This will give dozens of beer
and wine producers across Indiana the opportunity to take part in a new Indiana
Beer and Wine Exhibition.

The sale of alcohol hasn’t been allowed at the state fair
since 1946, following a state law that was created to ban it due to a littering
issue.

The exhibit will provide visitors with the opportunity to
highlight Indiana agriculture.

Andy Klotz, public relations director with the Indiana State
Fair Commission, said they are looking at the exhibit as an educational event.

“Bottom line for us is we’re looking at this as an
ag-oriented exhibit,” Klotz said. “Certainly we understand people are going to
come to have wine or beer and relax and that’s great, but they are also going to
be learning about breweries and wineries in our state.”

Those 21 and older will be able to sample wine and beer in
the Grand Hall on Main Street at the fairgrounds while learning about the local
products. There also will be a display for the Indiana State Museum’s American
Spirits available.

One of the breweries that will participate is Triton Brewing
Co., a brewery at 5764 Wheeler Rd. in Indianapolis.

The company’s founder and director of operations, David
Waldman, is excited about the opportunity to be showcased at the fair.

“We’re all about being involved in the community, and this
is an extension of that,” Waldman said.

The company will have two beers on hand at the fair — a
Shandy, a light and refreshing beer that will pair nicely with the hot weather,
and Railsplitter India Pale Ale, its top seller.

Waldman hopes the event will not only raise awareness of
Triton Brewing, but all local breweries and wineries.

“We’re a very collegiate bunch,” he said.

Those wanting to try the beer can visit the exhibit from 1
to 9 p.m. Aug. 1 to 17 at the Grand Hall on Main Street at the state
fairgrounds.

There will be beer and wine for sale by the glass, as well
as tasting samples. Visitors will be limited to a three-drink maximum that will
require a token in exchange for each 12-ounce beer or five-ounce glass of wine.
Each token, or glass, costs $5 and most be consumed in the Grand Hall.

For a list of other breweries and wineries, visit
www.indianastatefair.com.